Out of favour for both Manchester City and the Spain national team, Alvaro Negredo could be closing in on a return to La Liga with Valencia reportedly keen on signing the striker.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined in recent weeks with a metatarsal injury but, prior to that, had endured something of a goal drought for the Blues with his last strike for the club coming back in January.

And despite City boss Manuel Pellegrini insisting that Negredo is not for sale, the striker has been linked with a move back to Spain.

Real Madrid are rumoured to be keen on the forward, having spent time at the club in two separate spells as a youngster, while a report in Mundo Deportes claims Valencia are lining up a bid for the striker.

According to the Spanish news provider, Los Che are preparing to table an offer that would see Negredo move to the Mestalla on a season-long loan move that could turn into a permanent switch come the end of the season.

Negredo would become the second City player to move to Valencia, with Argentine youngster Bruno Zucculini already moving to the club as part of a loan deal.

These reports come amid continued speculation linking the Etihad club with an audacious bid for Radamel Falcao, with the Colombian thought to be keen on departing current club AS Monaco before the close of the summer transfer window.

It is unknown as to whether Negredo is unhappy or keen on a move to Valencia but a move back to La Liga could help the forward force his way back into Vicente del Bosque’s plans for the Spain national team.

Jack Beresford

Jack is a 27-year-old writer with experience in writing about sport in a range of guises. He’s something of a statto when it comes to soccer and has a passion for English football at all levels, as well as Serie A and the Bundesliga.